Citibank will give you an account with no local # they are happy to have overseas visitors that come once a year and want banking facilities. No hassle on dormancy it other account requirements such as "you must make a debit card transaction" or "you must use the account to pay a utility bill"

They get it that an overseas visitor doesn't have a zip code, doesn't have Nevada id and doesn't have Nevada electric. They also get it that said overseas visitor is going to spray cash around when in town.

Minimum balance of 3-4k required to avoid dormancy fee

Speaking about compliance hassles, I had a hard time getting WSOP to pay me.

I live in a small town such that everyone has to get their postal mail at the convenience store. Remember Green Acres, where Sam Drucker used to put on his postmaster hat and get behind a postal window at his general store? It's really like that here.

Consequently when WSOP demanded a piece of paper with my street address on it, I didn't have one. My address is a P.O. box, like everyone else here. But "It's an IRS compliance issue," said the Rio rep.

I realize it's a post 9/11 world where everyone who pays cash, uses a P.O. box, or buys a $10 phone card from Walgreens is a suspected terist, and I realize that the Rio is no more able to do anything about compliance-madness than are any of us.

Anyway, no $ for me until I get a utility bill or something with my street address. No, I can't look it up on my phone because I've been playing poker all day and my phone is dead. A long walk out to the car and back eventually produces an auto insurance card with the information.

The reason for this post is to remind folks that CET is very picky, and although if rejected you can come back for your money anytime before the WSOP ends in July, save yourself the trip and be prepared.

Anyone know how charging for valet works. Mgm gold is free. Do
I just show valet guy card?

Probably so, but nobody really knows exactly as they haven't started charging yet. I think it's supposed to go into effect Monday.

Sorry if I am barging in. I am a first time poster. I am 60 and from Ireland,and have visited Vegas a couple of times each year since 2009. We have always stayed on the strip,but a friend has recommended the Four Queens Hotel Downtown. As we would love to experience a stay in Fremont St,can anyone give me a low down on the hotel and general area. I intend to hire a car.Thank you for your time and attention. PS I normally play 1/3 or 2/5 NLH at the Aria or Planet Hollywood.Is there a similar spread downtown?

We are staying for a week to ten days.Her goodself shopping,while I try not to drip too much at the 1/3 tables.I have dined and socialised in Fremont before,but totally alien to the hotels.Thank you.

I have always arrived with a group of friends from Ireland.As the only poker player,I run solo throughout most of our vacation. As poker is an individual pastime,being alone doesn't really matter. No one ever comments on the fact that you are eating alone,and general poker related banter at the table always lightens the moment.Accepting that Vegas is a parallel to the "real world" is half the battle. I simply adore this town.

I was simply amazed at the Love show. We are still talking about it a year after last seeing it. An absolute must for a grand night out on the strip.

Fremont Street crowd is typically a bunch of people casino-hopping and drinking and listening to live music which they have every weekend. A bit of a younger crowd. The outside areas in front of the casinos (pedestrian only) gets very crowded at night on the weekends. Fremont Street itself is pretty safe although there are some weirdos hanging around to be sure. but you would not want to wander too far away as the areas around deteriorate pretty quickly.

I've never stayed at Four Queens but have been inside. From what I've seen, it is your typical old school no frills smallish casino.

Thank you for your help. I appreciate you taking the time to answer.

Busiest night of the year for poker on the strip and Treasure Island has 0 tables according to Bravo.

PH has a game running right now called MEZZ, anyone know what that is?

I assume the mezzanine. That's where they have their phamous poker series so they probably added some cash tables to handle the demand.

My favorite legit $20 foot massage place, Bali Foot Spa, apparently closed between last summer and this summer. Anyone have recommendations for a good one?

What do you mean by "legit". As in, you actually get a foot massage?

Correct, meaning the massage is what you pay for and it isn't a pretext for something else like a happy ending.

Last time in Vegas i degened off about $4k playing black chip BJ at the Venetian, and it got me a host. How should I handle this to maximize future comps? I mostly plan on playing poker on future trips (although degens gonna degen amirite?), so I assume this perk will be short-lived?

Call up your host to book a reservation. I wouldn't mention poker though. Not a lot of worst case scenarios really. It's not a contract.

Going to be in Vegas in July for Cisco Live at Mandalay Bay Event Center. Mandalay Bay and Delano are both fully booked.

Trying to pick an alternate room and looking at Hotel32 or Mandarin Oriental. Leaning Hotel32 because it is cheaper and closer, but curious if Mandarin is worth a little extra walk + bigger expense report.

Any recommendations?

I'd stay at the MO if its within your travel budget. And you'd want to cab it to Mandalay during July.

Door-to-door Mandarin Oriental is probably the same distance as Hotel 32 (and certainly better), but either way yeah you're not walking.

What bars in Vegas are showing UFC fights these days? (preferably something with a small cover/no cover on the strip).

I have a friend staying at samstown and I was gonna tag along for the free room and cab it over to the strip. I looked up the fare and it's estimated 25-65$ for a 6.5 mile trip, if that's accurate I'm not gonna bother going.

MO it is. Thanks!

It probably is accurate. Uber is your friend.